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Frequency Counter project detailed here is based on
PIC18F4550 for which design and firmware/software support is given by Fox
Delta Team.
There are many PIC based frequency counters out
there but this one will stand apart from others.
Reasons:
1. Its USB Powered
2. Simple One Chip 18F4550
Project
3. Count frequency to 50MHZ
(Maximum and PIC Specific)
4. 2 x 16 LCD Display
5. Signal Level Indication
(Bar Graph)
6. Small enough to carry around
with your laptop
7. Frequency "off-sets"
set by PC program.
8. Free PIC Firmware & PC WIN Software by Tony/I2TZK
Counter is designed on a double sided PTH Board and works on
USB power. There is an option to apply external +5V for those who
wish to power this counter from their own +5V source.
Project is designed and developed for
science students and Radio Amateurs, looking for economical frequency
counter for their hobby work. It may be a perfect frequency
display for old radios too. (Any IF Offsets OK)
Keeping this in view, expensive
chip like AD8307 for accurate measurement of signal level is avoided
and instead we have used simple
diode detectors to dispaly signal level on second line of LCD as a
bargraph.
An advanced version of this Frequency Counter may
be found at Fox
Delta site called FC3. On FC3 counters, AD8307 is used
to measure RF level very accurately which is measured in DBm, Vpp or
RMS. But on this economical counter, we get an indication of signal
presence by way of a bargraph.
Counter works with PC and also as a Stand-alone.
Usually, you configure this counter using a PC software, enter IF
Offsets, adjust back-light and if required, calibrate with an accurate
frequency source and then use as a standalone unit.
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